The amulet Bianca had obtained was meant to help things along. Still, the girl survived.His fingers flex at his side. The knife on his belt is already in place.He doesn’t need to prepare, he’s ready. Just one quick motion and it would be done. It would only take a few seconds.He waits until the r
EmberI wake before sunrise, though my body aches in protest. My ribs aren’t broken, just bruised and the wound on my side is shallow, but every movement reminds me of last night’s failure. I sit up slowly, easing the blanket away and testing my balance before rising to change the bandage.The air i
EmberWe leave the palace before first light. The group is small, just Prince Kaine, me, the Captain, and four other guards. Enough to move quickly and not draw too much attention. The unrest near the southern border is growing. Every day the reports come in with new sightings, more damage, more un
***Bianca walks alone through the narrow street. She moves quickly, weaving through alleys and side roads most nobles wouldn’t think to use. Her hood shields her face from view.This part of town doesn’t get much sunlight, even in the middle of the day. Now, with evening creeping in, it’s nearly de
“Then what is?”I don’t have an answer I can say aloud. There is nothing I can put into words that would sound fair, or appropriate.“I’ve read the reports,” she goes on. “I know what we’re dealing with. If it’s a real threat, then you need every capable guard with you. Leaving me behind doesn’t mak
KaineThe Queen summons me just after sunrise. Her guards are already stationed outside her private audience room by the time I arrive. They step aside without a word and I enter alone.She’s seated at the head of the room, a long line of morning light falling across the polished floor. Her expressi